Yes, in 2026, you can absolutely fly alone at the age of 17 on almost all major airlines worldwide. At 17, you are generally considered a "Young Passenger" rather than an "Unaccompanied Minor" (UM). This means you do not need to pay for the mandatory UM escort service required for younger children, and you can navigate the airport, clear security, and board the plane independently. However, there are two key things to keep in mind. First, for international travel, many countries (and some airlines) require a notarized Letter of Consent from your parents or guardians to prove you have permission to travel across borders. Second, if your flight is delayed or diverted and requires an overnight hotel stay, some hotels have a minimum check-in age of 18 or 21, which can create a logistical problem. For domestic flights within the U.S. or Europe, a 17-year-old is treated essentially like an adult passenger, though they should still carry a valid government-issued photo ID or passport at all times.